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PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, August 3, 2004
LEO HAMALIAN REMEMBERED AS A LITERARY MENTOR
New York – Friends, family and colleagues of Leo Hamalian attended a
special commemorative ceremony to honor the memory of the longtime
editor of AGBU’s Ararat quarterly. Known as a distinguished writer,
educator and editor, Hamalian had a great impact on Armenian and
American literature not only through his work as an essayist, critic
and anthologist, but also through his ability to recruit new writers
and assist in their literary development. “Leo Hamalian has
demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the role literature plays in
defining the Armenian identity. As editor, he has fostered new talent
and been supportive of Armenian American writers so that they feel
part of a strong cultural community,” AGBU President Berge Setrakian
said about the long-time editor of Ararat.
Emceed by Ararat Board members, Peter Sourian and Nishan Parlakian,
longtime friends and colleagues, including Peter Balakian, Lynne
Kassabian, Harry Keyishian and Valerie Krishna, spoke about Hamalian’s
life at the May 20th event at the New York Society of Ethical Culture
on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Ararat Chairman and Interim Editor
Aram Arkun welcomed the guests and thanked those that made the event
possible.
Each speaker reminiscenced about the genteel and insightful nature
that was a hallmark of Hamalian’s life and Balakian summarized
Hamalian’s gift to his readers and friends: “Leo’s work as a writer,
editor, scholar, teacher and cultural emissary and friend-meant a
great deal to many people-people in this room tonight-and generations
of his students scattered around the country. He was a true
cosmopolitan; he brought the wider world of literature and culture to
Armenians all over the world, and brought Armenians to that wider
world. His good work made a difference; his kindness, his generosity
touched many of us. We’re indebted to him and we’ll miss him.”
Kassabian refered in her words to Hamalian’s remarkable role, “Leo was
at the center of a giant, turning wheel, and probably the single
vehicle that could contain us all-could carry us all-was the journal
AraratA.” Keyishian remembered Hamalian’s sophisticated sensibility
that easily engaged and celebrated every aspect of human
experience. While Valerie Krishna shared a personal story about
Hamalian’s sensitivity that helped her overcome the sense of loss she
felt from her mother’s death-it was a moment, she said, that gave her
insight into the beauty of his nature.
The speeches were followed by a number of works performed by pianist
Sahan Arzruni and the event concluded with a reading by James
V. Hatch’s of an excerpt from a seven-part poem by Hamalian entitled,
“Suite for Shushanik”.
Over a hundred guests attended the event, and a special memorial fund
has been established in Leo Hamalian’s name to guarantee that the work
of Ararat continues to foster a new generation of Armenian American
writing. Donations can be mailed to: Ararat, c/o AGBU, 55 East 59th
Street, New York, NY 10022-1112.
A special memorial issue is also being prepared for release later this
year that will highlight Hamalian’s life and work for over four
decades. For more information, please call, 212.319.6383, fax,
212.319.6507, or email, [email protected].
Established in 1959, Ararat has for over forty years been a leading
forum for Armenian American literature and ideas. It is published by
AGBU and is part of the organization’s mission to promote Armenian
culture and heritage around the world.